Keeping yourself and your loved ones entertained while on a budget doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Luckily, there are plenty things to do in Niagara Falls in the Winter. Here is a list of activities for under $5.
Winter Festival of Lights
Cost: FREE
You may walk the pathways along the Niagara Parkway, Fallsview District, and Clifton Hill or drive your vehicle and take in all the lights. Donations are appreciated as you exit the Dufferin Islands viewing of the lights. Suggested donation: $5 – $10 per car and $1 per person on bus tours. All proceeds are used to enhance the Festival’s lights and displays.
The Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s premiere illumination festival. With over 8KM of sparkling illuminations, it’s easy to see why people from all over flock to this Winter Wonderland each and every year!
Visit wfol.com for more information.
Ghost Blasters Dark Ride
Cost: $4.99 (+HST) Per Person
Visit Ghost Blasters Dark Ride on Clifton Hill for an all-aged family-fun interactive laser gun ride! Take a ride through “Bleakstone Manor” where you’ll be confronted by an army of ghosts, skeletons, ghouls and goblins riding from room to room in black-light darkness. Shoot the targets and beat your opponent — show off your skills!
Visit cliftonhill.com for more information.
Niagara Falls History Museum
Cost: Adult (20+) $5.00, Students (6-19 years old or with valid student ID) $4, Children (Under 6 years old) Free.
Whether you wish to learn more about the War of 1812, the Community Gallery, a temporary exhibition, or even to take advantage of special events, the Niagara Falls History Museum is an inexpensive and educational way to spend your time.
Visit niagarafallsmuseums.ca for more information
Visit Historical Sites and Landmarks in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Cost: FREE (Free Downtown Parking in December)
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint, historical town worth checking out. Window shop at one of their unique little shops from local artists to cute boutiques. Be sure to visit Queenston Heights Park and the Brock’s Monument, the recent tribute to the First Nations, and of course the famous gazebo at Queen’s Royal Park.
Visit niagaraonthelake.com for more information.
Oakes Garden Theatre
The designers of Oakes Garden Theatre, which opened in 1937, used the curves of the environment to build a curving pergola above a central amphitheatre. The shaded lily ponds and manicured gardens provide tourists with a peaceful respite in the middle of Niagara Falls. Oakes Garden Theatre, surrounded by beautiful iron gates and Queenston limestone, provides a stunning entranceway to Queen Victoria Park at the foot of Clifton Hill.
Cost: FREE
Visit cliftonhill.com for more information.
Niagara Falls Fireworks
Cost: FREE
Beginning November 12th and continuing each weekend through to February 20th, fireworks will return with spectacular displays over the Falls this holiday season, adding to celebrations taking place across the destination.
December: 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 26-31 at 8:00pm
December 31 * NYE at 12:00am
January: 1-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 at 8:00pm
February: 3-4, 10-11, 17-20 at 8:00pm
Hosted by Niagara Parks and presented by the Niagara Falls Hotel Association, fireworks will take place each weekend at 8 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve, there will be two displays (8 p.m. and midnight) to ring in 2023. Considered an iconic and signature experience for the destination, the fireworks will complement other events and programming happening in Niagara Falls, including the OPG Winter Festival of Lights.
Visit cliftonhill.com for more information.
Hiking/Walking at Heartland Forest
Cost: FREE year-round (Donations boxes are located throughout the property and are very appreciated).
This is kid-friendly trail situated on over 200 acres that includes easy access trails. The trails present one of the largest remaining ecosystems of its kind in the Niagara Region and is a valuable refuge for many species at risk.
Parents can push a stroller through the woods on the wide, easy-access paths. People who use mobility devices can park close to the entrance to the forest without worrying about encountering roots, rocks, curbs and steps.
Visit heartlandforest.org for more information.
Visit the Library
Cost: FREE
The libraries in the region have programs and events happening throughout the winter. From baby events straight through to adult programs, there is something educational and fun to do. Register online as seats fill up quickly.
Visit here for more information and/or to register.